Buy Shoes on a Shoestring

Whether you view shoes as merely a necessity, or you believe owning the newest designer styles is essential to your well-being, there are several ways to save money when you buy shoes.

The first step in cutting your footwear budget is to only buy the shoes you actually need, or those that you'll get a good amount of use from. By focusing on what really works for you, your wardrobe and your lifestyle, you won't feel guilty the next time you spend a little more on a pair of shoes you really love.

Buy Shoes Off-Season

The oldest trick in the book is to buy shoes at the end of a season, or even well into the next. While those shimmery new sandals are full price in May or June, they will be marked down substantially in just a few short months. The longer you wait, the cheaper they'll be, although you have to be careful not to miss out on the style or size that you want.

Buy Classic Shoe Styles

Unless you're getting a trendy item for a song, look for styles that will work well no matter what fashions the next season might bring.

For example, a pair of simple but stunning black knee-high boots with a medium, classic heel will serve you far longer and work with more outfits than a black knee-high boot with wedge heels, platform soles, faux fur trim and rhinestones on the side.

And, if you're the type who tends to live in jeans, then more than a couple pairs of evening shoes really aren't essential to your wardrobe -- no matter how pretty they are.

Think "versatile" and you'll cut down on the number of shoes you have to buy.

Colors That Suit You

While many people tend to stick with black and brown shoes because they're viewed as "safe," only buying conservative colors can be a little boring -- and sometimes the best deals are on the unusual colors.

I think it's a great idea to snag a pair of purple pumps that are marked 75% off, but only if they'll work with the clothes you are likely to wear.

Before heading off to the shoe store or checking the online shoe shops, take a good look at what's in your closet.

If you have a lot of pastels, and attend a lot of dressy affairs - look for bargains in silver evening shoes. But if you're more into earth-tones, avoid the impulse to splash out on a pair of bright yellow stilettos that don't go with anything you currently own.

Buying shoes that won't get worn only prevents you from buying the ones you'll really need.

Part 2: Shoe Coupons, Sales and Rewards Programs